“Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord.  An angel appeared to the shepherds and they were terrified. But the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid! I bring you the most Joyful News ever announced, and it is for everyone!’” Luke 2:9, 10

I seem to have the uncanny ability to startle my wife when she’s vacuuming.  I try to make as much noise as possible in my approach, something I think I do pretty naturally, but it never seems to lessen the fright that ensues with my “hello Lisa”.  Ever notice that fear tempers our response.  Lisa’s usual cheerful salutation involuntarily becomes “Ah! You scared me half to death.”  Not the reaction I was going for.  I can lurk without even trying…shudder at the thought.

Being startled robs us of the ability to enjoy the moment.  Scaring someone half to death isn’t exactly a life giving experience if you know what I mean.  Now if my sudden appearance can be disquieting, and I know that’s hard to imagine, consider those pour shepherds when that cherub showed up accompanied by God’s presence. No wonder the angel quickly interjected ‘do not be afraid.’ Fear is just one of those things that rob life of joy. That’s what makes the angelic advice to the shepherds so profound. 

Last week our advent reading admonished us to combat fear by recalling God’s promises.  Psalm 103 says “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” I may not be a cherub, but let me remind you what the joyful news is.  Psalm 103 goes on to list forgiveness, healing, redemption, beautifying, dignifying, loving-kindness, tender mercy, satisfaction and renewal for everyone.  Not a bad announcement, amazing not disturbing. 

So Merry Christmas and fear not!  Be sure to pause Christmas Eve and add your soul’s praise to the worder-filled message.

Pastor David Long

Queensway Pentecostal Church

All of God, all of us, all of life.